Essex County, NJ
How to Change Your Name in Essex County
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Civil Part (Essex Vicinage), Newark
- Filing fee
- $250
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court Law Division Civil Part, N.J.S.A. 2A:52-1
- Official forms
- www.njcourts.gov/self-help/name-change ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Essex County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
CN 10200 Records Request via JEDS/email/mail
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Essex County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Civil Part (Essex Vicinage), Newark clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($250), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Civil Part (Essex Vicinage), Newark
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — cn 10200 records request via jeds/email/mail
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Civil Part (Essex Vicinage), Newark clerk before filing.